Simulation of proton-induced and iron-induced extensive air showers at extreme energies

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simplified, transparent simulation model for studying the development of ultra-high-energy extensive air showers, demonstrating its effectiveness through comparisons with experimental data.

Contribution

A new simplified simulation approach for ultra-high-energy air showers that is more transparent and flexible than existing complex models.

Findings

The model performs satisfactorily in reproducing shower elongation rates.

Lateral distribution functions for muons and electrons/photons are consistent with observations.

Reliable distinctions between proton- and iron-induced showers are achieved.

Abstract

The development of extensive air showers at extreme energies is studied using a simulation model much simpler and cruder, but also more transparent and flexible, than existing sophisticated codes. Evidence for its satisfactory performance is presented. As an illustration, shower elongation rates are evaluated in the $10^{18}$ to $10^{20}$ eV region and compared with recently published data. Lateral distribution functions of both muons and electrons/photons are also briefly discussed. Reliable results are obtained in the comparison between proton-induced and iron-induced showers.